Mumbai woke up to a warm yet tolerable Monday morning on April 21, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported clear skies prevailing across the city.
After nearly a week of overcast conditions and sporadic drizzles, the city’s weather has taken a settled turn, offering some relief from the visual gloom, if not from the enduring humidity and heat. With no alerts for rainfall or heatwave in effect, Mumbaikars can expect a day of largely stable but sticky conditions. At 9 AM, the city recorded a temperature of 29°C, with humidity levels at a high 75% and wind speeds around 5 km/h — creating a mild, breezy morning that residents found bearable, especially in coastal zones. The mercury is expected to climb through the day, peaking at 34°C, while the evening low is forecasted at around 26°C. The sun is set to dip below the horizon at 6:58 PM, concluding a day of steady, sunlit weather.
While the air remains heavy with moisture, what has come as a welcome update is the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI). According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai’s AQI currently stands at 55 — categorised as ‘Satisfactory’. Although this level is generally safe for most residents, health advisories remain in place for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory illnesses, encouraging the use of masks and limiting outdoor exposure during peak heat hours. This improvement in air quality is notable given the typical seasonal challenges faced by the city. Summer months often see a spike in airborne pollutants due to increased vehicular emissions and atmospheric stagnation. Experts point out that mild pre-monsoon drizzles over the past week, combined with westerly winds, may have contributed to the temporary clearing of particulate matter.
Interestingly, the city’s current dry spell comes despite earlier cloud cover, as no major rainfall system is active over Mumbai. However, light rainfall measuring up to 5mm has been observed in neighbouring regions such as Thane Taluka and parts of Vidarbha and Konkan — a phenomenon that may explain the mild cooling effect experienced recently in Mumbai. According to IMD, these conditions are not expected to trigger any further rain spells over the metropolis in the immediate term. Forecasts for April 22 suggest similar weather patterns, with minimum temperatures inching up to 27°C and a maximum expected at 35°C. The city’s daily rhythm — from school runs to office commutes — is likely to proceed unhindered by weather disruptions, at least for the next 48 hours.
However, climate scientists and urban environmentalists are increasingly highlighting the long-term implications of such humidity-laden heat patterns. As Mumbai continues to urbanise rapidly, the need for sustainable climate planning becomes more critical. Green urban infrastructure, increased tree cover, reflective rooftops, and enhanced public awareness about air quality are being emphasised as necessary measures for building a climate-resilient metropolis. In the short term, Mumbai’s residents may enjoy a few days of steady skies and moderate air quality. But as temperatures climb towards peak summer levels in the coming weeks, attention must turn towards mitigating urban heat and maintaining breathable air — challenges that will define the city’s future as it grapples with both environmental change and rapid expansion.
Also Read: https://urbanacres.in/delhi-forecast-imd-yellow-alert-for-thunderstorms-in-multiple-states/
